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Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

By: James Piper Robbie Staniforth
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About this listen

"Toast this pair who are trying to make a difference one rubbish episode at a time" - The Independent If you think recycling is boring, think again. James and Robbie are here to prove that recycling is not only important but also downright fun! Ever wondered what happens to the lime in a recycled Corona bottle? Or, why a cucumber needs to be wrapped in plastic? The answers may surprise you. James does the research, while Robbie brings his unfiltered knowledge to the table, making for an unexpectedly entertaining deep dive into the weird and wonderful world of recycling. From busting myths to answering the wildest questions, you’ll laugh, learn, and maybe even rethink what you toss in the bin. “Eye-opening stuff and only rarely dry” - The Guardian "Who knew rubbish could be so interesting" - Radio Times "This podcast will make you smarter and greener" - The i "Full of handy, informative insights" - HeatThe Rubbish Collective Ltd Biological Sciences Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 89. Is palm oil really that bad?
    Apr 9 2026

    Palm oil has a notoriously bad reputation; mention it, and you’ll likely hear strong criticism, particularly if you manage the social media of a podcast that very recently discussed Cadbury’s Easter egg packaging. But is the story really that simple? In this episode, we take a closer look at palm oil; what’s driving its environmental impact, why it’s so widely used, and what can realistically be done about it. Plus, are plastic air fresheners rubbish or not, why are cardboard cartons going in the plastic bin, and why might a paid tier of Talking Rubbish get us in trouble?

    Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.

    Please take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling tracker

    We would love you to join our community on Discord

    Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

    To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

    Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

    Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.ee

    Transcripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website

    Timestamps:
    Is palm oil really that bad? - 02:10
    Additions and corrections - 31:22
    Rubbish or Not: plastic air fresheners - 38:54
    Rubbish News - 42:46
    Why are cardboard cartons going in the plastic bin? - 47:29
    Residual Rubbish - 50:58

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

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    56 mins
  • 88. The truth behind ‘lost parcel’ reselling - scam or goldmine?
    Apr 2 2026

    What happens to the parcels that never reach their buyers? A growing industry has an answer, reselling them as “mystery packages,” promising hidden treasures and unbeatable value. But do these surprise boxes live up to the hype, or are they too good to be true? In this episode, we unpack the world of parcel resellers to find out whether they offer a genuine solution to waste, or simply sell the illusion of a bargain. Plus, are floss picks rubbish or not, should we squash our packaging, and what is James having to confess to Robbie?

    Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.

    Please take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling tracker

    We would love you to join our community on Discord

    Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

    To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

    Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

    Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.ee

    Transcripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website

    Timestamps:
    The truth behind ‘lost parcel’ reselling - 01:50
    Additions and corrections - 33:32
    Rubbish or Not: floss picks - 39:43
    Rubbish News - 42:48
    Should we squash our packaging? - 47:22
    Residual Rubbish - 51:30

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • 87. Is expensive petrol driving people to electric cars?
    Mar 26 2026

    As tensions rise in Iran, global oil prices are climbing, with potential knock-on effects for everyday costs. From higher petrol and diesel prices to wider economic pressures, the impact is becoming more noticeable. But could this moment mark a tipping point for electric vehicles? In this episode, we dive into the realities of EV ownership; unpacking range anxiety, upfront and long-term costs, and the true environmental footprint. Are electric cars really the greener, smarter alternative to traditional engines, or is the picture more complicated than it seems? Plus, are ice packs rubbish or not, is a hand dryer better than paper towels, and why might the new owners of Robbie's house be unhappy with him?

    Join hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth as they delve into the world of recycling, hopefully having fun along the way. One thing is for sure, they will talk absolute rubbish from start to finish.

    Please take a moment to complete the Simpler Recycling tracker

    We would love you to join our community on Discord

    Special thanks to our sponsor, Ecosurety

    To get exclusive videos and clips, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads or Facebook; @rubbishpodcast or YouTube: @talkingrubbishpodcast

    Or you can contact James and Robbie with questions or just general rubbish musings using the email address talkingrubbishpodcast@gmail.com or by texting them via WhatsApp on 07356 069 232

    Relevant links and reports mentioned in the programme can be found on the Talking Rubbish Linktr.ee

    Transcripts and episodes can be found on the Talking Rubbish website

    Timestamps:
    Is expensive petrol driving people to electric cars? - 2:17
    Additions and corrections - 30:42
    Rubbish or Not: ice packs - 35:28
    Rubbish News - 36:54
    Is it better to use a hand dryer or paper towels? - 50:09
    Residual Rubbish - 53:59

    Music licence ID: 6WPY8Q4O2RPFIOTL

    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
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